Predicting Age Groups of Reddit Users Based on Posting Behavior and Metadata: Classification Model Development and Validation

An Investigation of Age-Differentiated Conversations About Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems on Reddit

Introduction

This study analyzes age-differentiated Reddit conversations about ENDS.

Methods

This study combines 2 methods to (1) predict Reddit users' age into 2 categories (13-20 years [underage] and 21-54 years [of legal age]) using a machine learning algorithm and (2) qualitatively code ENDS-related Reddit posts within the 2 groups. The 25 posts with the highest karma score (number of upvotes minus number of downvotes) for each keyword search (i.e., query) and each predicted age group were qualitatively coded.

Results

Of 9, the top 3 topics that emerged were flavor restriction policies, Tobacco 21 policies, and use. Opposition to flavor restriction policies was a prominent subcategory for both groups but was more common in the 21-54 group. The 13-20 group was more likely to discuss opposition to minimum age laws as well as access to flavored ENDS products. The 21-54 group commonly mentioned general vaping use behavior.

Conclusions

Users predicted to be in the underage group posted about different ENDS-related topics on Reddit than users predicted to be in the of-legal-age group.

Emotional and cognitive changes surrounding online depression identity claims

As social media has proliferated, a key aspect to making meaningful connections with people online has been revealing important parts of one's identity. In this work, we study changes that occur in people's language use after they share a specific piece of their identity: a depression diagnosis. To do so, we collect data from over five thousand users who have made such a statement, which we refer to as an identity claim. Prior to making a depression identity claim, the Reddit user's language displays evidence of increasingly higher rates of anxiety, sadness, and cognitive processing language compared to matched controls. After the identity claim, these language markers decrease and more closely match the controls. Similarly, first person singular pronoun usage decreases following the identity claim, which was previously previously found to be indicative of self-focus and associated with depression. By further considering how and to whom people express their identity, we find that the observed longitudinal changes are larger for those who do so in ways that are more correlated with seeking help (sharing in a post instead of a comment; sharing in a mental health support forum). This work suggests that there may be benefits to sharing one's depression diagnosis, especially in a semi-anonymous forum where others are likely to be empathetic.

Online advice for the symptomatic management of post-stroke fatigue: A scoping review

BACKGROUND

Limited medical evidence for managing post-stroke fatigue leads stroke survivors to seek information through other sources. This scoping review aimed to identify and assess the range and quality of web-based recommendations for managing post-stroke fatigue.

METHODS

Publicly accessible websites providing advice for post-stroke fatigue management were considered for review using the Joanna Briggs Institute's methodology. Using the search term "fatigue stroke", the first two pages of results from each search engine (Google, Yahoo, and Bing) were assessed against predetermined criteria. Findings were reported in accordance with PRISMA-ScR checklist. Quality and readability were also assessed.

RESULTS

Fifty-seven websites were identified; 16 primary and 11 linked websites met the inclusion criteria and demonstrated moderate to high quality and high readability. Primary websites were curated by non-government organizations (n = 10/16), companies (n = 4/16) or were media and blog websites (n = 2/16). Additional resources were provided on linked websites. All websites provided non-pharmacological advice, with four also describing pharmacological management. Many websites included advice related to physical activity modification (n = 18/27) and energy conservation strategies (e.g. activity prioritization, planning, pacing) (n = 26/27). Direction to seek health professional advice appeared frequently (n = 16/27).

CONCLUSIONS

The quality of publicly available web-based advice for people with post-stroke fatigue was moderate to high in most websites, with high readability. Energy conservation strategies and physical activity modification appear frequently. The general nature of the advice provided on most websites is supported by direction to healthcare professionals (i.e., clinical referral) who may assist in the practical individualization of strategies for managing post-stroke fatigue.